On August 21, 2024, the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion came under attack in the Red Sea, approximately 77 nautical miles west of the Yemeni port of Hodeidah. The vessel, carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, was hit by multiple projectiles, resulting in a fire on board and engine failure that left it unable to maneuver. In response to the attack, a French destroyer, part of the European Union’s Operation Aspides, successfully rescued all 29 crew members, including Filipino and Russian nationals.The incident is believed to be part of ongoing aggression by Houthi rebels, who have targeted over 80 vessels in the Red Sea since October 2023. The Houthis claim to be targeting ships connected to Israel, the US, or the UK in solidarity with Hamas in the Gaza conflict, but many of the attacked ships have little to no connection to the conflict.The disabled Sounion, now anchored between Yemen and Eritrea, poses a significant threat to navigation and the environment in the Red Sea. The European Union’s naval mission has warned of the potential dangers and urged caution in the area to prevent further escalation. This attack marks the third incident involving a Delta Tankers vessel in the Red Sea this month.In response to the ongoing threats, the US military has increased its presence in the region, deploying additional F-22 fighter jets and destroying a Houthi missile system and radar that posed a threat to US and coalition forces, as well as commercial shipping in the area. The attacks have disrupted a trade route through which an estimated $1 trillion in cargo typically passes each year.As tensions continue to escalate, the international community remains concerned about the potential for wider regional conflict, particularly following the recent killing of a top Hamas leader in Tehran. The situation in the Red Sea remains volatile, with maritime security companies and military forces on high alert for further incidents.
Key points
- Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion was attacked in the Red Sea, allegedly by Houthi rebels.
- A French destroyer rescued all 29 crew members as part of the EU’s Operation Aspides.
- The disabled Sounion, carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, now poses environmental and navigational risks.
- The attack is part of ongoing Houthi aggression, which has targeted over 80 vessels since October 2023.
Contradictionsđź‘ľThere are conflicting reports about the number of Russian crew members on board the Sounion, with some sources stating two and others reporting four.
đź‘ľThe exact location of the attack varies slightly between reports, with some stating 77 nautical miles west of Hodeidah and others mentioning 140 km west of Hodeidah.
